A Closer Look At Google’s Android 4.4 KitKat- What devices have it ?

Google’s Android operating system has finally hit build 4.4.4, but what does this mean exactly for some devices? We will be examining how certain devices are handling the release of Android 4.4 KitKat, and what is the current state of some key smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3,Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Note 2.

Around last year’s September, just a little while before Samsung launched the Galaxy Note 3 and Apple launched their iPhone 5S and IOS 7 operating system, Google first announced the 4.4 KitKat update. The update came several weeks after its announcement, but it was the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, a small update which got out in November.

The Android 4.4.2 KitKat update came before the end of 2013 for some devices, but there were quite a lot of phones and brands that didn’t receive the update yet. The likes of Samsung weren’t able to deliver the update to its customers until 2014, and it is still pushing the update for various areas or devices.

In June, Google had two new updates to showcase, the 4.4.3 KitKat and the 4.4.4 KitKat. Both updates included important bug fixes and solutions for problems for problems occurring in Android 4.4.2. While some devices started to get the new updates, Samsung was still struggling with the 4.4.2 update. Last week, however, Samsung started to show signs that it is moving in the right direction.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Update

The Samsung Galaxy S5, like pretty much all Galaxy smartphones released recently, has so far failed acquire the latest Android update, while competing brands like Motorola, LG, or HTC all have devices rolling the 4.4.3 or 4.4.4 updates. It seems, however, that the Android 4.4.3 update is on its way to the Galaxy S5, according to Vodafone Australia, which featured a list of upcoming updates. On the list was the Samsung Galaxy S5, in line to receive the Android 4.4.3 KitKat update. Further Samsung information regarding the updates might come from Samsung itself at the Unpacked event, where it will also unveil its Galaxy Note 4.

Samsung Galaxy S4 Update

The Android 4.2 update for the Galaxy S4 has been rolling out for a few months now, and continues to roll out for remaining devices. On the matter, Australian carriers say that the remaining S4’s which didn’t get the 4.2 KitKat update are in line to receive to get it in August. This contradicts, however, the release schedule for Optus and Vodafone, which do not specific any update as soon as August.

Samsung Galaxy S3 Update

Australian carriers need once more to be mentioned, as they are the only ones who announced an Android 4.4 update for the Galaxy S3. They have expectations for an August release, but you might want to hold off on the celebratory dance for now, as there isn’t any update in sight, just yet. Telstra, Optus and SFR don’t have any 4.4 KitKat updates listed for the Galaxy S3 for the time being, so the idea of a 4.4 KitKat update on the Galaxy S3 is fading away a bit.

Samsung Galaxy Note 2 & 3 Update

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is still craving the 4.4.2 KitKat update, nevermind the 4,4,4 update. As the 4.4.2 is approaching its final roll outs, the update is moving very slow, and no word of an update for the Note 3 has been said until now. It seems however, that, possibly, there are Israeli and Swiss carriers which provided the updates for their customers.

The Galaxy Note 2 is doing much better than the Note 3, as it has the 4.4.2 KitKat update rolling out in several locations, for carriers around the globe. The Android 4.4 updates for the Galaxy Note 2 that are currently missing were promised for a September/August release.

It seems like many of these devices will eventually get the 4.4.3 and 4,4,4 KitKat updates, but it’s surely going to take some time. The upcoming Galaxy Note 4 is coming out with Android 4.4 out of the box, which could be an indicator that Android L will not be part of the immediate future for the Galaxy devices.